Dow is stepping into the role vacated by the retirement of the Center’s longtime Executive Director David Marty.

Dow is an industry veteran with experience in the touring industry. In 2004, she launched Dow Artists, a booking agency that focuses on both music and theatrical productions.

“Her deep industry experience and her driving-force personality will expand our reputation for excellence,” said Reif Board Chair Ben Edwards. “This is not only about entertainment. It is about economic growth in the region and education beyond the classroom. Shantel is a businesswoman, performer and educator, all essential elements to lead us forward.”

“I am honored and excited to join the team at The Reif Center,” said Dow. “Some of my goals include building on the strong reputation of The Reif and continuing to fulfill the mission of ‘Stimulating arts in Northern Minnesota. My background in the performing arts market will help to foster live arts performances, provide excellent international music education outreach programs for our regional students and grow performing arts opportunities with our neighboring communities. I am very excited to return to the great state of Minnesota.”

Dow was named an as a successor to Marty in April, when he indicated his intention to retire. Marty served in the role for more than two decades. On his watch, the Center expanded their activities from six annual performances to more than 50, and he led a capital campaign that saw the investment of more than $11 million into the center.

Despite all the controversy, a Kentucky radio station plays "Baby, It's Cold Outside" non-stop for hoursover the past weekend. John Legend told The Hollywood Reporter that hosting the Oscars is a "thankless job" but hasn't ruled out the possibility. The inescapable Cardi B markets herself to a new demographic - seniors - teaching them to dance during the latest "Carpool Karaoke." To celebrate Keith Richard's 75th birthday, USA Today has compiled a list of his "quirky quotes" over the years. To celebrate the song's 50th anniversary, Princess Cruises recruited performers like Aloe Blacc, Jack Johnson and Corinne Bailey Rae to perform "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay" by Otis Redding. Here it is: the Weezer "Saturday Night Live" skit:

Reigning Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers, who is attending the pageant competition in Thailand, noted on social media (alongside Miss Columbia and Miss Australia) that Miss Vietnam and Miss Cambodia do not speak English and the backlash has already begun. REO Speedwagon is donating proceeds from its upcoming Jan. 12-13 performances at the Kavli Theatre at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza to those affected by the shooting at Thousand Oak, Calif.'s Borderline Bar & Grill (the show will include musical guests with ties to the area Richard Marx, Five For Fighting’s John Ondrasik, and Eddie Money). Neo-Nazis, likely in town for a rally, beat up an African-American DJ at a Seattle bar and were arrested for a hate crime. Tour buses for 98 Degrees, in town for a show, had to be moved from a Norwalk, Conn., Stop & Shop parking lot and all hell broke loose.

Honestly, this is unacceptable. Whenever 98 Degrees comes to Connecticut they should be treated like the kings they indisputably are. I'm sorry Nick. Please come back soon. https://t.co/BwsKIUSoU6 via @TheHourNews

Our friends Runaway June have released the video for their Christmas contribution "Sleigh Ride."

Despite all the controversy, a Kentucky radio station plays "Baby, It's Cold Outside" non-stop for hoursover the past weekend. John Legend told The Hollywood Reporter that hosting the Oscars is a "thankless job" but hasn't ruled out the possibility. The inescapable Cardi B markets herself to a new demographic - seniors - teaching them to dance during the latest "Carpool Karaoke." To celebrate Keith Richard's 75th birthday, USA Today has compiled a list of his "quirky quotes" over the years. To celebrate the song's 50th anniversary, Princess Cruises recruited performers like Aloe Blacc, Jack Johnson and Corinne Bailey Rae to perform "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay" by Otis Redding. Here it is: the Weezer "Saturday Night Live" skit:

Reigning Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers, who is attending the pageant competition in Thailand, noted on social media (alongside Miss Columbia and Miss Australia) that Miss Vietnam and Miss Cambodia do not speak English and the backlash has already begun. REO Speedwagon is donating proceeds from its upcoming Jan. 12-13 performances at the Kavli Theatre at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza to those affected by the shooting at Thousand Oak, Calif.'s Borderline Bar & Grill (the show will include musical guests with ties to the area Richard Marx, Five For Fighting’s John Ondrasik, and Eddie Money). Neo-Nazis, likely in town for a rally, beat up an African-American DJ at a Seattle bar and were arrested for a hate crime. Tour buses for 98 Degrees, in town for a show, had to be moved from a Norwalk, Conn., Stop & Shop parking lot and all hell broke loose.

Honestly, this is unacceptable. Whenever 98 Degrees comes to Connecticut they should be treated like the kings they indisputably are. I'm sorry Nick. Please come back soon. https://t.co/BwsKIUSoU6 via @TheHourNews

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